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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM02.1

M02.1

Billable

Postdysenteric arthropathy

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M02.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postdysenteric arthropathy.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Postdysenteric arthropathy is a type of reactive arthritis that occurs following an episode of dysentery, typically caused by bacterial infections such as Shigella or Salmonella. This condition primarily affects the joints, leading to inflammation and pain, often in the lower extremities, including the knees, ankles, and feet. The pathophysiology involves an immune response triggered by the gastrointestinal infection, which can lead to synovitis and subsequent joint damage. Clinically, patients may present with joint swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, often accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise. Anatomically, the condition can affect multiple joints, with a predilection for the lower limbs, and may also involve entheses, leading to enthesitis. The chronicity of the condition can lead to long-term joint damage if not properly managed.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of post-infectious inflammatory processes
  • Involves multiple joint assessments and potential systemic implications
  • Differentiation from other types of arthritis is necessary
  • Documentation of prior dysentery episode is crucial

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior dysentery
  • Failure to specify joint involvement and laterality
  • Misclassification as primary osteoarthritis
  • Lack of evidence for inflammatory markers or imaging results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Orthopedic documentation should include imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage and functional assessments to evaluate range of motion and strength.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may present with knee pain following a gastrointestinal infection, requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention if conservative management fails.

Billing Considerations

Joint-specific considerations include documenting the severity of joint involvement and any surgical history related to the affected joints.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Rheumatologic documentation should include laboratory tests for inflammatory markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) and assessments of disease activity using standardized scales.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients may exhibit signs of systemic involvement, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation for other autoimmune conditions.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of systemic symptoms and potential progression to chronic arthritis is essential for accurate coding.

Physical Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Functional assessments should document mobility limitations, pain levels, and the need for assistive devices.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation scenarios may include post-infection recovery programs focusing on restoring joint function and mobility.

Billing Considerations

Assessment of the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is critical for rehabilitation planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M02.1 When
  • Official coding guidelines require specificity regarding laterality (e
  • , left, right, bilateral) and severity of joint involvement
  • Encounter type (initial, follow
  • up) must also be documented to ensure accurate coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M02.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used for joint effusion management in postdysenteric arthropathy.

Documentation Requirements

Document the joint involved, indication for procedure, and any therapeutic agents used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic considerations include assessing joint stability and potential need for further intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including postdysenteric arthropathy, enabling better tracking of disease patterns and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including postdysenteric arthropathy, enabling better tracking of disease patterns and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding musculoskeletal conditions, including postdysenteric arthropathy, enabling better tracking of disease patterns and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American College of Rheumatology Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of postdysenteric arthropathy?

Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, particularly in the lower extremities, often following a gastrointestinal infection.